Take a moment to hear a message of hope as Central Baptist Church plays host to the Children of the World International Children's Choir at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the church, 512 Spring St. The choir, comprised of orphans and disadvantaged children from several countries, represents a rich and culturally diverse group, each with an urgent story to tell about their diverse backgrounds. This year's Rescue Tour focuses attention on the impact that poverty, malnutrition and dirty water have on millions of children worldwide.

Throughout the holiday season, from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24, the City continues to promote shopping in town with its Shop Darlington Challenge. The 30-day event, hosted on Facebook, encourages residents to spend their hard-earned dollars in the City and challenge their friends, neighbors, coworkers, and church family to do the same. Photos of gift ideas from local businesses are posted every weekday with an album of all the photos kept on the City Facebook page as well.

EVENTS IN HARTSVILLE:

Simply Christmas at the Hartsville Museum - 222 N. Fifth St.

'Simply Christmas' will be on display at the Hartsville Museum from November 20 through January 15. The tree will be trimmed the stockings hung, and the large front doors will be ornamented with the traditional wreaths and red bows. Of course one highlight of the season is the reassembling of the Colonial Village display with its many lights and trees. Christmas cards dolls and other toys from days gone by are removed from storage and brought out to the delight of visitors both young and old.Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

EVENTS IN MYRTLE BEACH:

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA! These events fill up quickly so call early to make your reservations. Each restaurant will prepare a hot breakfast that will be a treat for all ages. The hours are 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and of course the guest of honor will be SANTA! The dates, locations and restaurants are listed below:

SAT, DEC 21 - TRAVINIA (233-8500)

Holidays on the Boardwalk through Saturday, December 21

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Plyler Park

Myrtle Beach's "Holidays on the Boardwalk" celebration is every Saturday through December 21, at Plyler Park, on the Boardwalk and along Ocean Boulevard! Events listed are available for all ages. Musical groups from local schools, churches and bands will perform traditional holiday tunes every Saturday at various times and locations. For more information, visit www.myrtlebeachdowntown.com

Bourbon Street Christmas Party

Bourbon Street Bar and Grille in Myrtle Beach is hosting a Christmas party to help raise money for the Toys For Tots charity. The event will be held on Thursday night, December 19, and will feature music from Columbia's Weaving The Fate and Myrtle Beach's own Sideways Derby. Admission is only $5 or an unwrapped toy. The music starts at 9 and free food will be served from 9-10. For more information visit Bourbon Street's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BourbonStreetMB.

EVENTS IN MURRELLS INLET

Night of a Thousand Candles, Brookgreen Gardens

December 19-21, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Brookgreen's most popular annual event has become a holiday tradition! Thousands of lights sparkle from Live Oak trees and illuminate garden paths as musicians perform, carolers sing, and visitors experience the enchantment that only this event can bring.

EVENTS IN FLORENCE

The Art Trail Gallery will host a Holiday Show through Saturday, January 4th. The emphasis will be on high-end hand crafted/artistic items for gift giving. Gallery hours are Wednesday and Friday from 11am-6pm and Thursday and Saturday from 11am-3pm.